JP2020140092A - projector - Google Patents

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: in improving cooling performance of a projector, the size of cooling means is increased, and the size of the projector is increased.SOLUTION: A projector of the present invention comprises a cooling device that cools an object to be cooled by a coolant changing into gas. A coolant creation unit of the cooling device has a rotating moisture absorption and discharge member, a first blowing device that sends air to the moisture absorption and discharge member, a first heat exchange unit, a second blowing device that circulates air in a circulation path passing through the moisture absorption and discharge member and the first heat exchange unit, and a second heat exchange unit that is at least partially arranged in a portion in the circulation path through which air flows from the first heat exchange unit to the moisture absorption and discharge member. The second heat exchange unit has a thermoelectric element having a heat absorption surface and a heat radiation surface, a first heat transfer member connected to the heat absorption surface, and a second heat transfer member thermally connected to the heat radiation surface. The first heat transfer member cools the air flowing in the circulation path to create the coolant. The second heat transfer member has a heat radiation unit that heats the air after being cooled by the first heat transfer member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to a projector.

As means for cooling the projector, for example, a cooling means by air cooling using a blower as shown in Patent Document 1, and a liquid using, for example, a pump for sending a refrigerant liquid and a pipe for passing the refrigerant liquid as shown in Patent Document 2. Cooling means by cooling have been proposed.

JP-A-2002-107698 JP-A-2007-294655

In recent years, the amount of heat to be cooled by the cooling means has increased along with the increase in brightness of the projector, and improvement of the cooling performance by the cooling means is required. However, when improving the cooling performance in the cooling means such as air cooling and liquid cooling described above, there is a problem that the cooling means becomes large and the projector becomes large. Further, in the case of air cooling, there is a problem that the noise generated by the blower increases.

One aspect of the projector of the present invention is a projector including a cooling target, which comprises a light source device that emits light, an optical modulation device that modulates the light emitted from the light source device according to an image signal, and the light. A projection optical device that projects light modulated by a modulator and a cooling device that cools the cooling target by changing the refrigerant into a gas, the cooling device includes a refrigerant generation unit that generates the refrigerant. A refrigerant transmission unit that transmits the generated refrigerant toward the cooling target, and the refrigerant generation unit includes a rotating moisture absorbing / releasing member and the moisture absorbing / releasing member located in the first region. A first blower that sends air to the portion, a first heat exchange portion connected to the refrigerant transmission portion, a portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member located in a second region different from the first region, and the first heat. At least a part of the circulation path passing through the exchange section, the second blower for circulating the air in the circulation path, and the portion where the air flowing from the first heat exchange section to the moisture absorbing / releasing member passes through the circulation path. The first heat exchange unit is cooled to generate the refrigerant from the air flowing into the first heat exchange unit, and the second heat exchange unit is provided with a second heat exchange unit. The unit includes a thermoelectric element having a heat absorbing surface and a heat radiating surface, a first heat transfer member thermally connected to the heat absorbing surface, and a second heat transfer member thermally connected to the heat radiating surface. The first heat transfer member cools the air flowing in the circulation path to generate the refrigerant, and the second heat transfer member cools the air after being cooled by the first heat transfer member. It is characterized by having a heat radiating portion for heating.

The first heat transfer member may have a heat absorbing portion for cooling air flowing in the circulation path, and the heat absorbing portion may be arranged inside the first heat exchange portion.

The first heat transfer member may be configured to be a heat sink having a plurality of fins as the heat absorbing portion.

The second heat transfer member may be configured to be a heat sink having a plurality of fins as the heat radiating portion.

The plurality of fins may have a plate shape extending along the direction in which air passing through the second heat exchange portion flows in the circulation path.

The second heat exchange unit may have a configuration having a plurality of the thermoelectric elements.

The plurality of thermoelectric elements are arranged side by side in the circulation path along the direction in which air passing through the second heat exchange section flows, and the first heat transfer member is provided for each thermoelectric element. May be.

The second thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element are provided with the first heat transfer member sandwiched in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which air passing through the second heat exchange unit flows in the circulation path. Both the heat absorbing surface of the first thermoelectric element and the heat absorbing surface of the second thermoelectric element heat heat to the first heat transfer member sandwiched between the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element. It may be configured to be connected to each other.

The refrigerant generating unit has a heating unit arranged in a portion through which air flowing from the first heat exchange unit to the moisture absorbing / releasing member passes in the circulation path, and the heating unit is heated by the heat radiating unit. It may be configured to further heat the air afterwards.

The cooling target may be configured to be the optical modulation device.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the projector of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows a part of the projector of this embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows typically the refrigerant generation part of this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the moisture absorption and desorption member of this embodiment. It is a partial cross-sectional perspective view which shows the 1st heat exchange part of this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd heat exchange part of this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the 2nd heat exchange part of this embodiment, and is the sectional drawing of VII-VII in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the optical modulation unit of this embodiment and a photosynthetic optical system. It is the figure which looked at the light modulation unit of this embodiment from the light incident side. It is a figure which shows the optical modulation unit of this embodiment, and is the XX sectional view in FIG. It is a figure which shows the refrigerant holding part of this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows a part of the refrigerant generation part of the 1st modification in this Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows a part of the refrigerant generation part of the 2nd modification in this Embodiment.

Hereinafter, the projector according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Further, in the following drawings, the scale and the number of each structure may be different from the scale and the number of the actual structure in order to make each configuration easy to understand.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a projector 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a part of the projector 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the projector 1 includes a light source device 2, a color separation optical system 3, an optical modulation unit 4R, an optical modulation unit 4G, an optical modulation unit 4B, a photosynthetic optical system 5, and a projection optical device. 6 and. The optical modulation unit 4R has an optical modulation device 4RP. The optical modulation unit 4G has an optical modulation device 4GP. The optical modulation unit 4B has an optical modulation device 4BP.

The light source device 2 emits illumination light WL adjusted to have a substantially uniform illuminance distribution toward the color separation optical system 3. The light source device 2 has, for example, a semiconductor laser as a light source. The color separation optical system 3 separates the illumination light WL from the light source device 2 into red light LR, green light LG, and blue light LB. The color separation optical system 3 includes a first dichroic mirror 7a, a second dichroic mirror 7b, a first reflection mirror 8a, a second reflection mirror 8b, a third reflection mirror 8c, and a relay lens 8d. And.

The first dichroic mirror 7a separates the illumination light WL emitted from the light source device 2 into red light LR and light in which green light LG and blue light LB are mixed. The first dichroic mirror 7a has a property of transmitting red light LR and reflecting green light LG and blue light LB. The second dichroic mirror 7b separates the light obtained by mixing the green light LG and the blue light LB into the green light LG and the blue light LB. The second dichroic mirror 7b has a property of reflecting green light LG and transmitting blue light LB.

The first reflection mirror 8a is arranged in the optical path of the red light LR, and reflects the red light LR transmitted through the first dichroic mirror 7a toward the light modulator 4RP. The second reflection mirror 8b and the third reflection mirror 8c are arranged in the optical path of the blue light LB, and guide the blue light LB transmitted through the second dichroic mirror 7b to the light modulator 4BP.

Each of the optical modulation device 4RP, the optical modulation device 4GP, and the optical modulation device 4BP is composed of a liquid crystal panel. The light modulation device 4RP modulates the red light LR of the light emitted from the light source device 2 according to the image signal. The light modulation device 4GP modulates the green light LG of the light emitted from the light source device 2 according to the image signal. The light modulation device 4BP modulates the blue light LB of the light emitted from the light source device 2 according to the image signal. As a result, each of the optical modulators 4RP, 4GP, and 4BP forms the image light corresponding to each color light. Although not shown, polarizing plates are arranged on the light incident side and the light emitting side of each of the optical modulators 4RP, 4GP, and 4BP.

A field lens 9R that collimates the red light LR incident on the light modulation device 4RP is arranged on the light incident side of the light modulation device 4RP. On the light incident side of the light modulation device 4GP, a field lens 9G that parallelizes the green light LG incident on the light modulation device 4GP is arranged. On the light incident side of the light modulation device 4BP, a field lens 9B that parallelizes the blue light LB incident on the light modulation device 4BP is arranged.

The photosynthetic optical system 5 is composed of a substantially cubic cross-dichroic prism. The photosynthetic optical system 5 synthesizes image light of each color from the photomodulators 4RP, 4GP, and 4BP. The photosynthetic optical system 5 emits the synthesized image light toward the projection optical device 6. The projection optical device 6 is composed of a projection lens group. The projection optical device 6 magnifies and projects the image light synthesized by the photosynthetic optical system 5, that is, the light modulated by the photomodulators 4RP, 4GP, and 4BP toward the screen SCR. As a result, an enlarged color image (video) is displayed on the screen SCR.

As shown in FIG. 2, the projector 1 further includes a cooling device 10. The cooling device 10 cools the cooling target provided in the projector 1 by changing the refrigerant W into a gas. In this embodiment, the refrigerant W is, for example, liquid water. Therefore, in the following description, the change of the refrigerant W into a gas may be simply referred to as vaporization. In the present embodiment, the cooling target includes optical modulation units 4R, 4G, and 4B. That is, in the present embodiment, the cooling target includes the optical modulators 4RP, 4GP, and 4BP.

The cooling device 10 includes a refrigerant generation unit 20 and a refrigerant transmission unit 50. The refrigerant generation unit 20 is a portion that generates the refrigerant W. The refrigerant transmission unit 50 is a portion that transmits the generated refrigerant W toward the cooling target. Heat can be taken from the cooling target by the refrigerant transmission unit 50, that is, the refrigerant W sent to the optical modulation units 4R, 4G, 4B in the present embodiment is vaporized, and the cooling device 10 can remove the cooling target. Can be cooled. Hereinafter, each part will be described in detail.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing the refrigerant generation unit 20 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the refrigerant generating unit 20 includes a moisture absorbing / releasing member 40, a motor 24, a first blower 60, a first heat exchange unit 30, a first circulation duct 25, and a second circulation duct. It has 26, a second blower 23, a cooling duct 21, and a second heat exchange unit 90.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 has a flat columnar shape centered on the rotation axis R. A central hole 40c centered on the rotation axis R is formed at the center of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40. The central hole 40c penetrates the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft R. The moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 rotates around the rotation axis R. In the following description, the axial direction of the rotation axis R is referred to as "rotation axis direction DR", and is appropriately indicated by the DR axis in the figure.

The moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 has innumerable through holes 40b that penetrate the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 in the rotation axis direction DR. The moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 is a porous member. The moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 has a moisture absorbing / releasing property. In the present embodiment, the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 is, for example, a substance in which a band-shaped band-shaped member 40a having a through hole 40b is wound around a rotation axis R and has moisture absorbing / releasing property on a surface of the wound band-shaped member 40a exposed to the outside. Is made by applying. The surface of the wound strip-shaped member 40a exposed to the outside includes the outer surface of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40, the inner peripheral surface of the central hole 40c, and the inner surface of the through hole 40b. The moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 may be made of a substance having a moisture absorbing / releasing property as a whole. Examples of the substance having moisture absorption / desorption properties include zeolite and silica gel.

The output shaft of the motor 24 shown in FIG. 3 is inserted and fixed in the central hole 40c of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40. The motor 24 rotates the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 around the rotation axis R. The rotation speed of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 rotated by the motor 24 is, for example, about 0.2 rpm or more and 5 rpm or less.

The first blower device 60 is, for example, an intake fan that takes in outside air into the projector 1. The first blower device 60 sends the air AR1 to the portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the first region F1. The first region F1 is a region on one side of the rotation axis R in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis R. On the other hand, in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis R, the region on the other side of the rotation axis R, that is, the region opposite to the first region F1 with respect to the rotation axis R is the second region F2. The first region F1 is a region above the rotation axis R in FIG. The second region F2 is a region below the rotation axis R in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first blower device 60 also sends the air AR1 to the optical modulation units 4R, 4G, and 4B to be cooled. The first blower 60 is not particularly limited as long as it can send the air AR1, and may be, for example, an axial fan or a centrifugal fan.

The first heat exchange unit 30 is a portion where the refrigerant W is generated. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the first heat exchange unit 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the first heat exchange unit 30 has a distribution unit 31, a first lid unit 32, and a second lid unit 33.

The distribution section 31 has a plurality of tubular piping sections 31a extending in one direction. In the present embodiment, one direction in which the piping portion 31a extends is orthogonal to, for example, the rotation axis direction DR. The piping portion 31a opens on both sides in one extending direction. The cross-sectional shape orthogonal to one extending direction of the piping portion 31a is, for example, a circular shape. In the following description, one direction in which the piping portion 31a extends is referred to as "stretching direction DE", and is appropriately indicated by the DE axis in the figure. The first region F1 and the second region F2 described above are separated with respect to the rotation axis R in the extension direction DE orthogonal to the rotation axis direction DR.

In the present embodiment, in the distribution section 31, a plurality of layers formed by arranging a plurality of piping sections 31a along the rotation axis direction DR are laminated along a direction orthogonal to both the rotation axis direction DR and the extension direction DE. It is composed of. In the following description, the direction orthogonal to both the rotation axis direction DR and the extension direction DE is referred to as "thickness direction DT", and is appropriately indicated by the DT axis in the figure. In the present embodiment, the dimension of the thickness direction DT of the distribution section 31 is smaller than the dimension of the rotation axis direction DR of the distribution section 31, for example, and is the largest of the dimensions of the distribution section 31 in the direction orthogonal to the extension direction DE. small.

The first lid portion 32 is connected to one end (+ DE side) of the stretching direction DE in the distribution portion 31. The first lid portion 32 has a rectangular parallelepiped box shape that is long in the rotation axis direction DR. Inside the first lid portion 32, one end of the extension direction DE of the piping portion 31a is open. As shown in FIG. 3, a partition portion 32a is provided inside the first lid portion 32. The partition portion 32a partitions the inside of the first lid portion 32 into a first space S1 and a second space S2 arranged in the rotation axis direction DR. In FIG. 3, the first space S1 is located on the right side (+ DR side) of the second space S2.

The first lid portion 32 is formed with a communication hole 32b that connects the first space S1 and the inside of the second circulation duct 26. The first lid portion 32 is formed with a communication hole 32c that connects the second space S2 and the inside of the first circulation duct 25.

The second lid 33 is located at the end of the flow section 31 on the other side (−DE side) of the stretching direction DE, that is, at the end opposite to the side to which the first lid 32 is connected to the flow section 31. It is connected. As shown in FIG. 5, the second lid portion 33 has a rectangular parallelepiped box shape that is long in the rotation axis direction DR. The other end of the extension direction DE of the piping portion 31a is open inside the second lid portion 33. Unlike the first lid portion 32, the inside of the second lid portion 33 is not partitioned. The inside of the second lid portion 33 is connected to each of the first space S1 and the second space S2 of the inside of the first lid portion 32 via the inside of the piping portion 31a of the distribution portion 31. The second lid portion 33 is connected to the refrigerant transmission portion 50. As a result, the first heat exchange unit 30 is connected to the refrigerant transmission unit 50. In FIG. 5, the wall on the other side of the extension direction DE in the second lid 33 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first circulation duct 25 is a duct extending from the first heat exchange unit 30 to the region on the other side (−DR side) of the rotation axis direction DR of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40. One end of the first circulation duct 25 is connected to the first heat exchange section 30. The first circulation duct 25 has an inflow port connected to the communication hole 32c of the first lid portion 32. The inside of the first circulation duct 25 is connected to the second space S2 via the inflow port and the communication hole 32c. The other end of the first circulation duct 25 is arranged so as to face the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 with a slight gap. Air sent from the inside of the first heat exchange section 30 to the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 by the second blower 23 passes through the first circulation duct 25.

The first circulation duct 25 has a first opening 25a facing a portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the second region F2. The first opening 25a is located on the other side (-DR side) of the rotation axis direction DR of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40, and is on one side (+ DR side) of the rotation axis direction DR toward the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40. It is open.

The second circulation duct 26 is a duct extending from a region on one side (+ DR side) of the rotation axis direction DR of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 to the first heat exchange portion 30. One end of the second circulation duct 26 is arranged so as to face the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 with a slight gap. The other end of the second circulation duct 26 is connected to the first heat exchange section 30. The second circulation duct 26 has an outlet that connects to the communication hole 32b of the first lid portion 32. The inside of the second circulation duct 26 is connected to the first space S1 via the outlet and the communication hole 32b. The air sent from the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 to the inside of the first heat exchange section 30 by the second blower 23 passes through the second circulation duct 26.

The second circulation duct 26 has a second opening 26a facing the portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the second region F2. The second opening 26a is located on one side (+ DR side) of the rotation axis direction DR of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40, and on the other side (−DR side) of the rotation axis direction DR toward the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40. It is open. The second opening 26a is arranged at a position where the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 is sandwiched between the second opening 26a and the first opening 25a in the rotation axis direction DR.

The second blower 23 is arranged inside the second circulation duct 26. The second blower 23 is arranged on one side (+ DR side) of the portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the second region F2 in the rotation axis direction DR. The second blower 23 is, for example, a centrifugal fan. The second blower 23 discharges the air taken in from the other side (−DR side) of the rotation axis direction DR from the exhaust port 23a to the other side (−DE side) of the extension direction DE. The exhaust port 23a is open to the communication hole 32b of the first lid portion 32. The second blower 23 sends air to the first space S1 through the communication hole 32b.

The air discharged from the second blower 23 into the first space S1 passes through the second opening 26a of the second circulation duct 26 from the other side (−DR side) of the rotation axis direction DR of the second blower 23. It is the intake air, and is the air that has passed through the portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the second region F2. That is, the second blower 23 passes air through the portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the second region F2 different from the first region F1 and sends it to the first heat exchange unit 30.

The air that has flowed from the second blower 23 into the first heat exchange section 30 via the first space S1 passes through the inside of the piping section 31a connected to the first space S1 among the plurality of piping sections 31a, and the second lid. It flows into the inside of the part 33. The air that has flowed into the inside of the second lid 33 passes through the inside of the pipe 31a that is connected to the second space S2 among the plurality of pipes 31a, flows into the second space S2, and circulates first from the communication hole 32c. It flows into the inside of the duct 25. The air that has flowed into the inside of the first circulation duct 25 is discharged from the first opening 25a toward the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40, and again passes through the portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the second region F2. 2 It flows into the inside of the circulation duct 26 and is taken into the second blower 23.

As described above, the refrigerant generation unit 20 has a portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the second region F2 and a circulation path 27 passing through the first heat exchange unit 30. The circulation path 27 passes through the first heat exchange section 30, the first circulation duct 25, the portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the second region F2, and the second circulation duct 26 in this order, and again passes through the first heat exchange section. It is a path through which air circulates back to 30. The second blower 23 circulates the air in the circulation path 27. Although a slight gap is provided between the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 and the first circulation duct 25 and the second circulation duct 26, the circulation path 27 is substantially sealed, and the inside of the circulation path 27 is substantially sealed from the outside. The inflow of air is suppressed. In the following description, the air circulating in the circulation path 27 is referred to as air AR2.

The cooling duct 21 is a duct having an inflow port arranged on one side (+ DR side) of the portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the first region F1 in the rotation axis direction DR. The air AR1 discharged from the first blower 60 and passing through the portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the first region F1 flows into the cooling duct 21. The cooling duct 21 extends from one side of the portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the first region F1 toward the first heat exchange portion 30.

The cooling duct 21 has a cooling passage portion 21a extending in the rotation axis direction DR. In the cooling passage portion 21a, the circulation portion 31 of the first heat exchange portion 30 is arranged so as to penetrate in the stretching direction DE. As a result, the distribution section 31 is arranged inside the cooling passage section 21a. The air AR1 passing through the cooling passage portion 21a is blown onto the outer surface of the circulation portion 31 and passes through the circulation portion 31 in the rotation axis direction DR. As a result, the distribution unit 31 is cooled by the air AR1. That is, the first heat exchange unit 30 is cooled by the air AR1 that is discharged from the first blower device 60 and has passed through the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40. In FIG. 3, in the cooling passage portion 21a, the air AR1 passes through the distribution portion 31 from the right side to the left side. The other end (−DR side) of the rotation axis direction DR in the cooling passage portion 21a is open. The opening of the cooling passage portion 21a is, for example, the outlet of the cooling duct 21.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the second heat exchange unit 90. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the second heat exchange section 90, and is a cross-sectional view of VII-VII in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, at least a part of the second heat exchange unit 90 is arranged in the circulation path 27 where the air AR2 flowing from the first heat exchange unit 30 to the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 passes. There is. In the present embodiment, the second heat exchange unit 90 cools the air AR2 released from the flow unit 31 of the first heat exchange unit 30 to generate the refrigerant W, and heats the cooled air AR2. In the present embodiment, the flow direction of the air AR2 passing through the second heat exchange section 90 is the stretching direction DE. In the following description, one side (+ DE side) of the stretching direction DE is the downstream side in the direction in which the air AR2 passing through the second heat exchange section 90 flows, and the other side (-DE side) of the stretching direction DE is , The upstream side in the direction in which the air AR2 passing through the second heat exchange section 90 flows. The second heat exchange unit 90 includes a thermoelectric element 93, a first heat transfer member 91, a second heat transfer member 92, and a heat insulating member 94.

The thermoelectric element 93 is a plate-shaped element extending along the stretching direction DE, which is the flow direction of the air AR2 passing through the second heat exchange section 90 in the circulation path 27. The plate surface of the thermoelectric element 93 is orthogonal to, for example, the thickness direction DT. The thermoelectric element 93 is a Peltier element. The thermoelectric element 93 has a heat absorbing surface 93a and a heat radiating surface 93b. In the present embodiment, the endothermic surface 93a is a plate surface on one side (+ DT side) of the DT in the thickness direction of the thermoelectric element 93. The heat radiating surface 93b is a plate surface on the other side (−DT side) of the DT in the thickness direction of the thermoelectric element 93. That is, the heat absorbing surface 93a and the heat radiating surface 93b are surfaces of the thermoelectric element 93 located on opposite sides of each other in the thickness direction DT. When electric power is supplied, the thermoelectric element 93 absorbs heat from the heat absorbing surface 93a and releases heat from the heat radiating surface 93b.

As shown in FIG. 7, the thermoelectric element 93 is provided on the first lid portion 32. The thermoelectric element 93 is arranged so as to penetrate the wall portion 32d on the other side (−DT side) of the first lid portion 32 in the thickness direction DT in the thickness direction DT. The thermoelectric element 93 is arranged so as to straddle the inside of the first lid portion 32 and the outside of the first lid portion 32. The endothermic surface 93a is arranged in the second space S2. On the other hand, the heat radiating surface 93b is arranged outside the first lid portion 32.

The first heat transfer member 91 is a member thermally connected to the heat absorbing surface 93a. The fact that the first heat transfer member 91 is thermally connected to the heat absorption surface 93a means that the first heat transfer member 91 is in a state where heat can be transferred between the heat absorption surface 93a and the first heat transfer member 91. It is sufficient that the 91 and the heat absorbing surface 93a are connected. Since the heat absorbing surface 93a is a surface that absorbs heat, heat can be transferred from the first heat transfer member 91 to the heat absorbing surface 93a. In the present embodiment, the first heat transfer member 91 is a heat sink. The first heat transfer member 91 has a base portion 91a and a plurality of fins (heat absorbing portions) 91b.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the base 91a has a plate shape extending in the stretching direction DE. The plate surface of the base 91a is orthogonal to, for example, the thickness direction DT. The other side (−DT side) surface of the base portion 91a in the thickness direction DT is in contact with and fixed to the endothermic surface 93a. As a result, the first heat transfer member 91 is thermally connected to the heat absorbing surface 93a. In the present embodiment, the base portion 91a is arranged inside the second space S2 in the first lid portion 32, that is, inside the first heat exchange portion 30. When viewed along the thickness direction DT, the entire base 91a overlaps, for example, the entire endothermic surface 93a.

The plurality of fins 91b are provided on one side (+ DT side) surface of the thickness direction DT in the base portion 91a. The plurality of fins 91b project from the base portion 91a to one side of the thickness direction DT. In the present embodiment, the fin 91b has a plate shape extending in the circulation path 27 along the direction in which the air AR2 passing through the second heat exchange section 90 flows (stretching direction DE). The plate surface of the fin 91b is orthogonal to, for example, the rotation axis direction DR. The fin 91b has, for example, a rectangular plate shape.

The plurality of fins 91b are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other along the rotation axis direction DR. In the present embodiment, the plurality of fins 91b are arranged inside the second space S2 in the first lid portion 32, that is, inside the first heat exchange portion 30. As described above, in the present embodiment, the entire first heat transfer member 91 is arranged inside the second space S2, that is, inside the first heat exchange unit 30.

The second heat transfer member 92 is a member thermally connected to the heat radiating surface 93b. The fact that the second heat transfer member 92 is thermally connected to the heat radiation surface 93b means that the second heat transfer member 92 is in a state where heat can be transferred between the heat radiation surface 93b and the second heat transfer member 92. It is sufficient that the 92 and the heat radiating surface 93b are connected. Since the heat radiating surface 93b is a surface that releases heat, heat can be transferred from the heat radiating surface 93b to the second heat transfer member 92. In this embodiment, the second heat transfer member 92 is a heat sink. The second heat transfer member 92 has a base portion 92a and a plurality of fins (heat dissipation portions) 92b.

The base portion 92a has a plate shape extending in the stretching direction DE. The plate surface of the base portion 92a is orthogonal to, for example, the thickness direction DT. As shown in FIG. 7, the base portion 92a is arranged outside the circulation path 27. The base portion 92a extends in the extending direction DE from the region on the other side (−DT side) of the thickness direction DT of the first lid portion 32 to the region on the other side of the thickness direction DT of the first circulation duct 25. Of the surface of the base portion 92a on the other side (−DT side) of the thickness direction DT, the portion located on the other side (−DE side) of the stretching direction DE is in contact with and fixed to the heat radiating surface 93b. As a result, the second heat transfer member 92 is thermally connected to the heat radiating surface 93b.

The plurality of fins 92b are provided on a portion of the base portion 92a on one side (+ DT side) of the thickness direction DT, which is located on one side (+ DE side) of the extension direction DE. The plurality of fins 92b project from the base portion 92a to one side of the thickness direction DT. The plurality of fins 92b penetrate the wall portion 25b on the other side (−DT side) of the thickness direction DT in the first circulation duct 25 in the thickness direction DT and project into the inside of the first circulation duct 25. That is, the plurality of fins 92b are arranged inside the first circulation duct 25. As a result, the plurality of fins 92b are arranged in the portion of the circulation path 27 through which the air AR2 flowing from the first heat exchange portion 30 to the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 passes. The plurality of fins 92b are arranged on the downstream side (+ DE side) in the direction in which the air AR2 passing through the second heat exchange section 90 flows with respect to the fins 91b of the first heat transfer member 91.

The tip portions of the plurality of fins 92b on the protruding side (+ DT side) are arranged at the same positions in the thickness direction DT as, for example, the tip portions of the plurality of fins 91b on the protruding side in the first heat transfer member 91. .. As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the fin 92b has a plate shape extending along the direction in which the air AR2 passing through the second heat exchange section 90 flows (stretching direction DE). The plate surface of the fin 92b is orthogonal to, for example, the rotation axis direction DR. The fin 92b has, for example, a rectangular plate shape. The plurality of fins 92b are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other along the rotation axis direction DR.

As shown in FIG. 7, the heat insulating member 94 covers the base portion 92a of the second heat transfer member 92 from the other side (−DT side) of the thickness direction DT. The heat insulating member 94 is, for example, a heat insulating sheet. The heat insulating member 94 is in contact with the other surface of the base portion 92a in the thickness direction DT. The outer edge portion of the heat insulating member 94 is fixed so as to straddle the outer surface of the first lid portion 32 and the outer surface of the first circulation duct 25. The heat insulating member 94 suppresses the heat released from the heat radiating surface 93b of the thermoelectric element 93 to the base 92a to be released to the air outside the circulation path 27. In FIG. 6, the heat insulating member 94 is not shown.

When electric power is supplied to the thermoelectric element 93, the heat of the first heat transfer member 91 is absorbed from the heat absorption surface 93a, and the first heat transfer member 91 is cooled. As a result, the first heat transfer member 91 absorbs the heat of the air AR2 in the circulation path 27 from the plurality of fins 91b and cools the air AR2. That is, the plurality of fins 91b function as heat absorbing portions for cooling the air AR2 flowing in the circulation path 27.

The heat absorbed by the heat absorbing surface 93a moves to the heat radiating surface 93b and is released to the base portion 92a of the second heat transfer member 92. Further, heat generated by the electric power supplied to the thermoelectric element 93 is also discharged to the base 92a from the heat radiating surface 93b. The heat released to the base 92a is transferred to the plurality of fins 92b along the base 92a, and is released from the plurality of fins 92b to the air AR2 flowing inside the first circulation duct 25. That is, the plurality of fins 92b function as a heat radiating unit that heats the air AR2 flowing in the circulation path 27. Here, in the present embodiment, the fins 92b as the heat radiating portion are arranged on the downstream side (+ DE side) in the flow direction of the air AR2 passing through the second heat exchange portion 90 with respect to the first heat transfer member 91. .. Therefore, the fins 92b as the heat radiating portion heat the air AR2 after being cooled by the first heat transfer member 91.

The air AR2 heated by the second heat transfer member 92 is discharged from the first opening 25a of the first circulation duct 25 to the portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the second region F2. As a result, the portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the second region F2 is heated. The second blower 23 circulates the air AR2 in the circulation path 27 to send the air around the heated portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 to the first heat exchange section 30.

When the air AR1 is sent from the first blower device 60 to the portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the first region F1, the water vapor contained in the air AR1 is transferred to the portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the first region F1. Moisture is absorbed. The portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 that has absorbed water vapor moves from the first region F1 to the second region F2 by rotating the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 by the motor 24. Then, the relatively high temperature air AR2 heated by the second heat transfer member 92 of the second heat exchange unit 90 passes through the portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 located in the second region F2. As a result, the moisture absorbed by the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 is vaporized and released into the air AR2.

The air AR2 containing the water vapor absorbed from the air AR1 by passing through the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 is sent to the first heat exchange unit 30 by the second blower 23. The air AR2 that has flowed from the first space S1 into the first heat exchange section 30 flows inside the distribution section 31. More specifically, the air AR2 flows inside the piping portion 31a of the distribution portion 31. The distribution section 31 is cooled from the outside by the air AR1 flowing along the rotation axis direction DR in the cooling passage section 21a of the cooling duct 21.

When the flow section 31 is cooled, the relatively high temperature air AR2 flowing inside the piping section 31a is cooled, and the water vapor contained in the air AR2 is condensed into liquid water, that is, the refrigerant W. In this way, the first heat exchange unit 30 generates the refrigerant W from the air AR2 that has flowed into the first heat exchange unit 30 by being cooled.

The air AR2 that has passed through the distribution section 31 is cooled inside the second space S2 of the first lid section 32 by the first heat transfer member 91 of the second heat exchange section 90. As a result, at least a part of the water vapor remaining in the air AR2 that has passed through the distribution section 31 is condensed into the refrigerant W. In this way, the first heat transfer member 91 cools the air AR2 flowing in the circulation path 27 to generate the refrigerant W. In the present embodiment, since the first heat transfer member 91 is arranged in the second space S2 of the first lid portion 32, the refrigerant W is generated inside the first heat exchange portion 30.

In the present embodiment, the refrigerant transmission unit 50 is made of a porous member, and transmits the refrigerant W by a capillary phenomenon. Examples of the material of the refrigerant transmission unit 50 include polypropylene, cotton, porous metal, and the like. The material of the refrigerant transmission unit 50 is preferably a material capable of relatively increasing the surface tension of the refrigerant transmission unit 50. As shown in FIG. 5, the refrigerant transmission unit 50 includes a first capture unit 51, a second capture unit 52, a third capture unit 53, and a connection unit 54.

The first catching portion 51 is fixed to the edge portion of the inner side surface of the first lid portion 32 on one side (+ DE side) of the extending direction DE. The first catching portion 51 has a thin strip shape, and is formed in a rectangular frame shape along the edge portion of the first lid portion 32. The second catching portion 52 is fixed to the edge of the inner side surface of the second lid portion 33 on the other side (−DE side) of the extending direction DE. The second catching portion 52 has a thin strip shape, and is formed in a rectangular frame shape along the edge portion of the second lid portion 33.

The third capture unit 53 extends from the first capture unit 51 through the inside of the piping unit 31a to the second capture unit 52, and connects the first capture unit 51 and the second capture unit 52. The third catching portion 53 has a thin band shape extending in the stretching direction DE. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the third catching unit 53 is arranged inside one of the plurality of piping units 31a, but is not limited to this. The third catching portion 53 may be provided inside a part of the piping portions 31a of the plurality of piping portions 31a, or may be provided inside all the piping portions 31a of the plurality of piping portions 31a. May be good. When provided inside a part of the piping portions 31a among the plurality of piping portions 31a, the third catching portion 53 may be provided inside two or more piping portions 31a.

The connecting portion 54 is a portion that connects the refrigerant generating unit 20 and the cooling target. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 54 is connected to the second capturing portion 52 and projects from the inside of the second lid portion 33 to the outside of the second lid portion 33 through the wall of the second lid portion 33. As shown in FIG. 8, the connecting portion 54 projecting to the outside of the second lid portion 33 extends to the optical modulation unit 4G to be cooled. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the optical modulation units 4R, 4G, 4B and the photosynthetic optical system 5. The connecting portion 54 has a thin strip shape. As shown in FIG. 5, the width of the connecting portion 54 is larger than, for example, the width of the first capturing portion 51, the width of the second capturing portion 52, and the width of the third capturing portion 53.

Next, the optical modulation units 4R, 4G, and 4B to be cooled in the present embodiment will be described in more detail. In the following description, the vertical direction Z with the positive side as the upper side and the negative side as the lower side is appropriately indicated by the Z axis in the drawing. The direction parallel to the optical axis AX of the projection lens on the most light emitting side in the projection optical device 6, that is, the direction parallel to the projection direction of the projection optical device 6 is called "optical axis direction X", and is appropriately indicated by the X axis in the figure. .. The optical axis direction X is orthogonal to the vertical direction Z. Further, the direction orthogonal to both the optical axis direction X and the vertical direction Z is referred to as "width direction Y", and is appropriately indicated by the Y axis in the figure.

It should be noted that the vertical direction Z, the upper side and the lower side are simply names for explaining the relative positional relationship of each part, and the actual arrangement relationship, etc. is an arrangement relationship, etc. other than the arrangement relationship, etc. indicated by these names. There may be.

FIG. 9 is a view of the optical modulation unit 4G viewed from the light incident side. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the optical modulation unit 4G, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, the optical modulation unit 4R, the optical modulation unit 4G, and the optical modulation unit 4B, which are the objects to be cooled, are arranged so as to surround the photosynthetic optical system 5. The optical modulation unit 4R and the optical modulation unit 4B are arranged on opposite sides of each other with the photosynthetic optical system 5 sandwiched in the width direction Y. The optical modulation unit 4G is arranged on the light incident side (−X side) of the photosynthetic optical system 5 in the optical axis direction X. Since the structure of the optical modulation unit 4R, the structure of the optical modulation unit 4G, and the structure of the optical modulation unit 4B are the same except that the positions and orientations are different, the light is represented in the following description. Only the modulation unit 4G may be described.

The optical modulation unit 4G has a holding frame 80 that holds the optical modulation device 4GP. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the holding frame 80 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is flat in the direction in which light is incident on the optical modulation device 4GP and is long in the vertical direction Z. The direction in which the light of the optical modulator 4GP is incident is, for example, the optical axis direction X.

As shown in FIG. 10, the holding frame 80 has a through hole 81 that penetrates the holding frame 80 in the direction in which light is incident. At the edge of the through hole 81 on the light incident side (−X side), a step portion 83 that widens the width of the through hole 81 is provided. The optical modulator 4GP is fitted in the stepped portion 83 and held by the holding frame 80. As shown in FIG. 9, insertion grooves 82a and 82b are formed on both sides of the holding frame 80 on the light incident side in the vertical direction Z.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the projector 1 further includes a cooling promotion unit 70 provided in the optical modulation unit 4G to be cooled. The cooling promotion unit 70 includes a refrigerant holding unit 71 and a fixing member 72. The refrigerant holding portion 71 is attached to the surface of the holding frame 80 of the optical modulation unit 4G to be cooled. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant holding portion 71 is provided on the surface of the holding frame 80 on the light incident side (−X side) of the light modulation device 4GP. The refrigerant holding portion 71 is made of a porous member that holds the refrigerant W. Examples of the material of the refrigerant holding portion 71 include polypropylene, cotton, porous metal, and the like. The material of the refrigerant holding portion 71 can be the same as that of the refrigerant transmitting portion 50, for example. The material of the refrigerant holding portion 71 is preferably a material capable of relatively increasing the surface tension of the refrigerant holding portion 71.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a refrigerant holding unit 71. As shown in FIG. 11, the refrigerant holding portion 71 has a rectangular frame-shaped main body portion 71a and insertion portions 71b and 71c provided at both ends of the main body portion 71a in the vertical direction Z. As shown in FIG. 10, the main body portion 71a covers a part of the surface of the holding frame 80 on the light incident side (−X side) of the light modulation device 4GP. The inner edge side portion of the main body portion 71a covers the outer edge portion of the optical modulation device 4GP. The insertion portion 71b is bent and inserted into the insertion groove 82a of the holding frame 80. The insertion portion 71c is bent and inserted into the insertion groove 82b of the holding frame 80.

The fixing member 72 is a member that fixes the refrigerant holding portion 71. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the fixing member 72 is a plate-shaped member. The fixing member 72 is made of metal, for example. The fixing member 72 has a rectangular frame-shaped frame portion 72a, a mounting portion 72b, and an insertion portion 72c. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the frame portion 72a covers the outer edge portion of the refrigerant holding portion 71. The holding frame 80, the refrigerant holding portion 71, and the frame portion 72a are laminated in the direction of light passing through the optical modulation unit 4G (optical axis direction X). In the following description, the direction in which the holding frame 80, the refrigerant holding portion 71, and the frame portion 72a are laminated is simply referred to as a “stacking direction”. The fixing member 72 is fixed by sandwiching the refrigerant holding portion 71 with the holding frame 80 in the stacking direction (optical axis direction X) by the frame portion 72a.

The inner edge of the frame portion 72a is provided outside the inner edge of the refrigerant holding portion 71. Therefore, a part of the refrigerant holding portion 71, that is, a portion inside the frame portion 72a in the present embodiment is exposed when viewed from the fixing member 72 side in the stacking direction.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the mounting portions 72b are provided at both ends of the frame portion 72a in the vertical direction Z and at both ends in the width direction Y, respectively. The mounting portion 72b projects from the frame portion 72a toward the holding frame 80 side (+ X side). The mounting portion 72b is engaged with a protrusion provided on the side surface of the holding frame 80. As a result, the fixing member 72 is fixed to the holding frame 80.

The insertion portions 72c are provided at both ends of the frame portion 72a in the vertical direction Z. The insertion portion 72c projects from the frame portion 72a toward the holding frame 80 side (+ X side). The insertion portion 72c is inserted into the insertion grooves 82a and 82b of the holding frame 80. The insertion portion 72c holds the insertion portions 71b and 71c of the refrigerant holding portion 71 inside the insertion grooves 82a and 82b.

The cooling promotion unit 70 is provided in each of the plurality of optical modulation units 4R, 4G, and 4B. That is, the refrigerant holding portion 71 and the fixing member 72 are provided in each of the plurality of optical modulation units 4R, 4G, and 4B. As shown in FIG. 11, of the optical modulation units 4R, 4G, and 4B, the refrigerant holding unit 71G provided in the optical modulation unit 4G is connected to the refrigerant transmission unit 50. More specifically, the connecting portion 54 of the refrigerant transmitting portion 50 is connected to the lower end portion of the refrigerant holding portion 71G.

The refrigerant holding unit 71B attached to the optical modulation unit 4B and the refrigerant holding unit 71R attached to the optical modulation unit 4R hold the refrigerant attached to the optical modulation unit 4G, except that the connection portion 54 is not connected. It is the same as the part 71G.

In the present embodiment, connecting portions 73a and 73b made of a porous member for connecting the refrigerant holding portions 71 provided in the plurality of optical modulation units 4R, 4G and 4B to each other are provided. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant holding portions 71B attached to the optical modulation unit 4B and the refrigerant holding portions 71B attached to the optical modulation unit 4R are attached to both sides of the refrigerant holding portion 71G attached to the optical modulation unit 4G via the connecting portions 73a and 73b. The refrigerant holding unit 71R is connected to the refrigerant holding unit 71R.

The connecting portion 73a connects the refrigerant holding portion 71G attached to the optical modulation unit 4G and the refrigerant holding portion 71B attached to the optical modulation unit 4B. As a result, the refrigerant holding unit 71B is connected to the connecting unit 54 of the refrigerant transmission unit 50 via the refrigerant holding unit 71G. As shown in FIG. 8, the connecting portion 73a is provided with a covering portion 74 that covers the connecting portion 73a. The covering portion 74 is, for example, a resin film or the like.

The connecting portion 73b connects the refrigerant holding portion 71 attached to the optical modulation unit 4G and the refrigerant holding portion 71 attached to the optical modulation unit 4R. As a result, the refrigerant holding unit 71R is connected to the connecting unit 54 of the refrigerant transmission unit 50 via the refrigerant holding unit 71G. Although not shown, the connecting portion 73b is also provided with a covering portion 74 like the connecting portion 73a.

The refrigerant W generated by the refrigerant generation unit 20 is transmitted to the refrigerant holding unit 71G by the connection unit 54 of the refrigerant transmission unit 50. The refrigerant W transmitted to the refrigerant holding portion 71G is transmitted to the refrigerant holding portion 71B via the connecting portion 73a and is transmitted to the refrigerant holding portion 71R via the connecting portion 73b. In this way, the refrigerant W generated by the refrigerant generation unit 20 is transmitted to the three optical modulation units 4R, 4G, and 4B. Then, the refrigerant W transmitted and held in the refrigerant holding unit 71 is vaporized to cool the optical modulation units 4R, 4G, and 4B to be cooled. More specifically, the vaporization of the refrigerant W held in the refrigerant holding portion 71 cools the holding frame 80 to which the refrigerant holding portion 71 is attached, and the holding frame 80 is cooled, so that the holding frame 80 is cooled. The optical modulators 4RP, 4GP, and BP to be held are cooled. As a result, the cooling device 10 can cool the optical modulation devices 4RP, 4GP, and BP to be cooled.

According to the present embodiment, the cooling device 10 transmits the refrigerant W generated by the refrigerant generation unit 20 to the cooling target by the refrigerant transmission unit 50, and utilizes the vaporization of the refrigerant W, which is a heat absorption reaction, from the cooling target. It can take heat and cool the object to be cooled. Cooling by vaporizing the refrigerant W actively removes heat from the object to be cooled, and therefore has excellent cooling performance as compared with the case where the object to be cooled is simply cooled by transferring heat to the refrigerant as in air cooling and liquid cooling. As a result, when the same cooling performance as air cooling and liquid cooling is obtained, the entire cooling device 10 can be easily miniaturized as compared with air cooling and liquid cooling.

Further, in the case of cooling by vaporizing the refrigerant W, the cooling performance can be improved by increasing the surface area where the vaporized refrigerant W comes into contact with the object to be cooled. Therefore, even if the cooling performance of the cooling device 10 is increased, it is possible to suppress the increase in noise. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the projector 1 provided with the cooling device 10 having excellent cooling performance, small size, and excellent quietness can be obtained.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the refrigerant W can be generated in the refrigerant generation unit 20, the user does not have to replenish the refrigerant W, and the convenience of the user can be improved. Further, since the refrigerant generating unit 20 can adjust the generation of the refrigerant W when and in the required amount, it is not necessary to store the refrigerant W in the storage tank or the like, and the weight of the projector 1 can be reduced. ..

Further, according to the present embodiment, the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 can absorb the water vapor contained in the air AR1 sent from the first blowing device 60, and the moisture absorbed by the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 is absorbed by the second blowing device 23. Moisture can be released as water vapor in the sent air AR2. Then, the first heat exchange unit 30 can condense the moisture released as water vapor in the air AR2 to generate the refrigerant W. Thereby, according to the present embodiment, the refrigerant W can be generated from the atmosphere in the projector 1.

Further, for example, in the refrigerant generation unit 20, when the humidity of the air AR2 sent from the second blower 23 to the first heat exchange unit 30 is relatively low, even if the first heat exchange unit 30 is cooled, the refrigerant W is released. It may be difficult to generate. The humidity of the air AR2 sent to the first heat exchange unit 30 may decrease when, for example, the air outside the projector 1 is mixed. In such a case, the refrigerant generation efficiency of the refrigerant generation unit 20 decreases.

On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the refrigerant generating section 20 has a circulation path 27 passing through the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 portion located in the second region F2 and the first heat exchange section 30. Therefore, by substantially sealing the circulation path 27, it is possible to suppress the entry of air outside the projector 1 into the circulation path 27, and the humidity of the air AR2 sent to the first heat exchange unit 30 is maintained in a relatively high state. Cheap. Therefore, the refrigerant W can be suitably generated by cooling the first heat exchange unit 30. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the refrigerant generation efficiency of the refrigerant generation unit 20.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the first heat transfer member 91 of the second heat exchange unit 90 cools the air AR2 flowing in the circulation path 27 to generate the refrigerant W. Therefore, the water vapor contained in the air AR2 can be more condensed, and a larger amount of the refrigerant W can be obtained in the refrigerant generation unit 20. Therefore, the refrigerant generation efficiency of the refrigerant generation unit 20 can be improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the second heat exchange unit 90 cools and heats the air AR2 flowing in the circulation path 27 by the thermoelectric element 93 having the endothermic surface 93a and the heat radiating surface 93b. Therefore, the energy for heating the air AR2 can be reduced, and the refrigerant generation efficiency of the refrigerant generation unit 20 can be improved. The details will be described below.

When electric power is supplied to the thermoelectric element 93, the thermoelectric element 93 absorbs heat from the heat absorbing surface 93a according to the supplied electric power, and cools the air AR2 in the circulation path 27 via the first heat transfer member 91. To do. The thermoelectric element 93 releases the heat generated by the supplied electric power and the heat absorbed from the air AR2 via the first heat transfer member 91 from the heat radiating surface 93b to the second heat transfer member 92. As a result, the thermoelectric element 93 heats the air AR2 after being cooled by the first heat transfer member 91 via the fins 92b which are the heat radiating portions of the second heat transfer member 92.

Here, as described above, since the air AR2 contains the water vapor released from the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40, when the air AR2 is cooled by the first heat transfer member 91, the steam condenses and becomes a refrigerant. W is generated. Then, when the steam condenses to generate the refrigerant W, the heat of condensation is released. Therefore, the temperature of the air AR2 after passing through the first heat transfer member 91 is higher by the amount of heat of condensation released than in the case where the heat is simply absorbed by the first heat transfer member 91. .. The heat generated by the supplied electric power and the heat absorbed from the air AR2 via the first heat transfer member 91 are released to the air AR2 in this state via the second heat transfer member 92, resulting in the second heat. The exchange unit 90 can raise the temperature of the air AR2 by more than the amount of power supplied to the thermoelectric element 93.

As an example, consider a case where it is necessary to apply 1 W of heat to the air AR2 in order to raise the temperature of the air AR2 by 1 ° C., and the air AR2 at 40 ° C. is heated to raise the temperature to 80 ° C. In this case, in a normal heater, it is necessary to supply 40 W of electric power to the heater and release 40 W of heat to the air AR2.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, by supplying 30 W of electric power to the thermoelectric element 93, for example, 20 W of heat is absorbed from the air AR2 at 40 ° C. by the first heat transfer member 91. At this time, if the condensation of water vapor does not occur, the temperature of the air AR2 drops to 20 ° C. However, when the steam condenses and the refrigerant W is generated, the heat of condensation is released, and the temperature of the air AR2 does not decrease to 20 ° C., for example, 30 ° C.

The air AR2 at 30 ° C. that has passed through the first heat transfer member 91 is heated by the fins 92b, which are heat radiating portions of the second heat transfer member 92. At this time, the heat released from the fins 92b is a total of 50 W of heat, which is 30 W of heat supplied to the thermoelectric element 93 and 20 W of heat absorbed from the air AR2 in the first heat transfer member 91. As a result, the temperature of the air AR2 rises from 30 ° C. to 80 ° C. Therefore, while a normal heater requires 40 W of electric power, according to the present embodiment, by supplying 30 W of electric power lower than 40 W to the thermoelectric element 93, the temperature of the air AR2 is raised from 40 ° C. to 80. Can be ℃.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by raising the temperature of the air AR2 by using the thermoelectric element 93 having the endothermic surface 93a and the heat radiating surface 93b, the heat of condensation when water vapor condenses is utilized. The temperature of the air AR2 can be raised with less energy than when a heater is simply used. Therefore, the energy for heating the air AR2 can be reduced, and the refrigerant generation efficiency of the refrigerant generation unit 20 can be improved. The amount of heat [W] and the temperature [° C.] of the air AR2 in the above-mentioned example are values that change depending on the configuration of the refrigerant generating unit 20 such as the thermoelectric element 93, and are not particularly limited.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the fins 91b, which are heat absorbing portions in the first heat transfer member 91, are arranged inside the first heat exchange portion 30. Therefore, the refrigerant transmission unit 50 connected to the first heat exchange unit 30 can transmit the refrigerant W generated in the first heat transfer member 91 to the optical modulation units 4R, 4G, and 4B to be cooled. As a result, the refrigerant W generated in the first heat transfer member 91 can be transmitted without separately providing another refrigerant transmission unit, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts of the projector 1. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the refrigerant W generated in the first heat transfer member 91 is charged from the inside of the first lid portion 32 to the first capture portion 51, the third capture portion 53, the second capture portion 52, and the second capture portion 52. It is transmitted to the optical modulation units 4R, 4G, and 4B to be cooled via the connection portion 54 in this order.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the first heat transfer member 91 is a heat sink having fins 91b as heat absorbing portions. Therefore, the fins 91b can increase the surface area of the first heat transfer member 91 in contact with the air AR2, and can easily absorb heat from the air AR2. As a result, the air AR2 can be easily condensed in the first heat transfer member 91, and the refrigerant W can be further generated. Therefore, the refrigerant generation efficiency of the refrigerant generation unit 20 can be further improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the second heat transfer member 92 is a heat sink having fins 92b as a heat radiating portion. Therefore, the fins 92b can increase the surface area of the second heat transfer member 92 in contact with the air AR2, and can easily release heat to the air AR2. As a result, the air AR2 can be suitably heated in the second heat transfer member 92, and the refrigerant generation efficiency in the refrigerant generation unit 20 can be improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the fins 91b and 92b have a plate shape extending along the direction in which the air AR2 passing through the second heat exchange portion 90 flows in the circulation path 27. Therefore, the fins 91b and 92b are less likely to obstruct the flow of the air AR2. As a result, the surface area of the first heat transfer member 91 and the second heat transfer member 92 in contact with the air AR2 can be increased while suppressing the obstruction of the flow of the air AR2 in the circulation path 27. Therefore, the air AR2 can be suitably cooled and heated by the second heat exchange unit 90 while the air AR2 is suitably circulated in the circulation path 27. Therefore, the refrigerant generation efficiency of the refrigerant generation unit 20 can be further improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the heat insulating member 94 that covers the base portion 92a, which is a portion of the second heat transfer member 92 that is exposed to the outside of the circulation path 27, is provided. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the heat released from the heat radiating surface 93b of the thermoelectric element 93 to the second heat transfer member 92 to the air outside the circulation path 27. As a result, the second heat transfer member 92 can suitably release the heat released from the thermoelectric element 93 to the air AR2 in the circulation path 27 via the fins 92b. Therefore, the air AR2 can be suitably heated by the second heat transfer member 92, and the refrigerant generation efficiency of the refrigerant generation unit 20 can be further improved.

In this embodiment, the following configuration can also be adopted. In the following description, the same configurations as above may be omitted by appropriately assigning the same reference numerals and the like.

[First modification]
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the refrigerant generating section 120 of this modified example. As shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of thermoelectric elements 93 are provided in the second heat exchange unit 190 of the refrigerant generation unit 120 of this modified example. The plurality of thermoelectric elements 93 are arranged side by side in the circulation path 27 along the direction in which the air AR2 passing through the second heat exchange unit 190 flows (stretching direction DE). The heat radiating surfaces 93b of the plurality of thermoelectric elements 93 are all thermally connected to the base portion 92a of the same second heat transfer member 92. In the second heat exchange unit 190 of this modified example, the first heat transfer member 91 is provided for each thermoelectric element 93. Therefore, the plurality of first heat transfer members 91 are arranged side by side along the direction in which the air AR2 in the circulation path 27 flows (stretching direction DE). In FIG. 12, for example, two thermoelectric elements 93 and two first heat transfer members 91 are provided.

The heat absorbing surfaces 93a and the plurality of first heat transfer members 91 of the plurality of thermoelectric elements 93 are arranged inside the second space S2 of the first lid portion 32, as in the above-described embodiment. The other configurations of the second heat exchange unit 190 are the same as the other configurations of the second heat exchange unit 90 of the above-described embodiment. The other configurations of the refrigerant generating unit 120 are the same as the other configurations of the refrigerant generating unit 20 of the above-described embodiment.

According to this modification, a plurality of thermoelectric elements 93 are provided. Therefore, the plurality of thermoelectric elements 93 make it easier to cool and heat the air AR2 in the circulation path 27 via the first heat transfer member 91 and the second heat transfer member 92. As a result, the refrigerant generation efficiency of the refrigerant generation unit 120 can be improved.

Further, according to the present modification, the plurality of thermoelectric elements 93 are arranged side by side in the circulation path 27 along the direction in which the air AR2 passing through the second heat exchange unit 190 flows, and the first transmission is performed for each thermoelectric element 93. A thermal member 91 is provided. Therefore, a plurality of first heat transfer members 91 can be arranged side by side in the circulation path 27 along the direction in which the air AR2 flows, and the distance that the air AR2 contacts the first heat transfer member 91 can be lengthened. As a result, the air AR2 can be more easily cooled by the first heat transfer member 91, and more refrigerant W can be generated. Therefore, the refrigerant generation efficiency of the refrigerant generation unit 120 can be further improved.

[Second modification]
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the refrigerant generating section 220 of this modified example. As shown in FIG. 13, in the second heat exchange unit 290 of the refrigerant generation unit 220 of this modified example, a thermoelectric element 293 (second thermoelectric element) is provided in addition to the thermoelectric element 93 (first thermoelectric element). ing. The thermoelectric element 93 and the thermoelectric element 293 are provided so as to sandwich the first heat transfer member 291 in the thickness direction DT. That is, in this modification, the second heat exchange unit 290 is a thermoelectric element provided with the first heat transfer member 291 sandwiched in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the air AR2 passing through the second heat exchange unit 290 flows in the circulation path 27. It has 93 and a thermoelectric element 293.

The thermoelectric element 293 is arranged symmetrically with the thermoelectric element 93 in the thickness direction DT. That is, the endothermic surface 293a of the thermoelectric element 293 is the surface on the other side (−DT side) of the thickness direction DT, and the heat dissipation surface 293b is the surface on one side (+ DT side) of the thickness direction DT. The thermoelectric element 293 is arranged so as to penetrate the wall portion 32e on one side of the thickness direction DT of the first lid portion 32 in the thickness direction DT. Other configurations of the thermoelectric element 293 are the same as other configurations of the thermoelectric element 93.

The first heat transfer member 291 has a base portion 91a, a base portion 291a, and a plurality of fins (heat absorbing portions) 291b. The base portion 91a and the base portion 291a are connected to both ends of the plurality of fins 291b in the thickness direction DT, respectively. In other words, the base 91a and the base 291a are connected by a plurality of fins 291b.

The base portion 291a is in contact with and fixed to the endothermic surface 293a of the thermoelectric element 293. As a result, both the heat absorbing surface 93a of the thermoelectric element 93 and the heat absorbing surface 293a of the thermoelectric element 293 are thermally connected to the first heat transfer member 291 sandwiched between the pair of thermoelectric elements 93 and 293. The base portion 291a has the same configuration as the base portion 91a except that the base portion 291a is arranged symmetrically in the thickness direction DT. Other configurations of the fins 291b are similar to those of the fins 91b of the above-described embodiment.

The second heat transfer member 292 of this modified example has a base portion 92a, a base portion 292a, and a plurality of fins (heat radiating portions) 292b. The base portion 92a and the base portion 292a are connected to both ends of the plurality of fins 292b in the thickness direction DT, respectively. In other words, the base 92a and the base 292a are connected by a plurality of fins 292b.

The base portion 292a is in contact with and fixed to the heat radiating surface 293b of the thermoelectric element 293. The base portion 292a has the same configuration as the base portion 92a except that the base portion 292a is arranged symmetrically in the thickness direction DT. The base portion 292a is covered with a heat insulating member 294 from one side (+ DT side) of the DT in the thickness direction. The heat insulating member 294 has the same configuration as the heat insulating member 94 that covers the base portion 92a except for points symmetrical to the thickness direction DT. Other configurations of the fins 292b are similar to those of the fins 92b of the above-described embodiment. The other configurations of the second heat exchange unit 290 are the same as the other configurations of the second heat exchange unit 90 of the above-described embodiment. The other configurations of the refrigerant generating unit 220 are the same as the other configurations of the refrigerant generating unit 20 of the above-described embodiment.

According to this modification, the second heat exchange unit 290 is provided with the first heat transfer member 291 sandwiched in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the air AR2 passing through the second heat exchange unit 290 flows in the circulation path 27. It has an element 93 and a thermoelectric element 293, and both the heat absorbing surface 93a of the thermoelectric element 93 and the heat absorbing surface 293a of the thermoelectric element 293 are thermally transferred to the first heat transfer member 291 sandwiched between the pair of thermoelectric elements 93 and 293. It is connected to the. Therefore, a plurality of thermoelectric elements 93 and 293 can be arranged while suppressing the size of the second heat exchange unit 290 from becoming large in the direction in which the air AR2 flows in the circulation path 27 (stretching direction DE). As a result, the refrigerant generation efficiency of the refrigerant generation unit 220 can be improved by the plurality of thermoelectric elements 93 and 293 while suppressing the increase in size of the refrigerant generation unit 220.

Further, in addition to the above-described modified examples, the following configuration can also be adopted.
The refrigerant generation unit may be a refrigerant generation unit 320 having a heating unit 322 shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The heating unit 322 is arranged in a portion where the air AR2 flowing from the first heat exchange unit 30 to the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 passes through the circulation path 27. In FIG. 3, the heating unit 322 is arranged inside the first circulation duct 25. The heating unit 322 is arranged on the downstream side of the second heat exchange unit 90 in the flow direction of the air AR2 flowing in the first circulation duct 25. The heating unit 322 further heats the air AR2 after being heated by the fins 92b, which is the heat dissipation unit of the second heat exchange unit 90. The heating unit 322 is not particularly limited as long as it can heat the air AR2. The heating unit 322 may be, for example, an electric heater or a heat sink heated by a heater (not shown).

According to this configuration, the air AR2 can be heated by the heating unit 322 in addition to the second heat exchange unit 90. Therefore, the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 can be more preferably heated by the air AR2, and the moisture absorbed by the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 can be preferably vaporized. As a result, the moisture absorbed by the moisture absorbing / releasing member 40 can be suitably released to the air AR2. Therefore, the refrigerant generation efficiency of the refrigerant generation unit 320 can be further improved.

The first heat transfer member is not particularly limited as long as it is connected to the heat absorbing surface of the thermoelectric element and can cool the air flowing in the circulation path to generate a refrigerant. The heat absorbing portion of the first heat transfer member may be provided in the distribution portion 31 in the above-described embodiment. Further, the heat absorbing portion of the first heat transfer member may be arranged in a portion of the circulation path through which air flowing from the first heat exchange portion to the moisture absorbing / releasing member passes. That is, the heat absorbing portion of the first heat transfer member may be arranged inside the first circulation duct 25 in the above-described embodiment. Further, the heat absorbing portion of the first heat transfer member may be arranged in a portion of the circulation path through which air flowing from the moisture absorbing / releasing member to the first heat exchange portion passes. That is, the heat absorbing portion of the first heat transfer member may be arranged inside the second circulation duct 26 in the above-described embodiment. In the first heat transfer member, a portion other than the heat absorbing portion may be provided outside the circulation path. The heat absorbing portion does not have to be a fin.

In the second heat transfer member, the heat dissipation portion is arranged in the portion of the circulation path through which the air flowing from the first heat exchange portion to the moisture absorbing / releasing member passes, and the air after being cooled by the first heat transfer member is transferred. If it can be heated, it is not particularly limited. The entire second heat transfer member may be arranged inside the circulation path. The heat radiating portion of the second heat transfer member does not have to be a fin.

In the first modification described above, the number of the thermoelectric elements 93 and the first heat transfer member 91 arranged side by side is not particularly limited and may be three or more. For each of the first heat transfer members 91 of the first modification described above, as in the second modification, the two thermoelectric elements 93 and the thermoelectric element 293 sandwiching the first heat transfer member 91 in the thickness direction DT. May be provided. The heat insulating member may not be provided.

The configuration of the refrigerant transmission unit is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment. The refrigerant transmission unit is not particularly limited as long as the refrigerant can be transmitted to the cooling target. The refrigerant transmission unit may have a pump for transmitting the refrigerant and a pipe through which the refrigerant transmitted by the pump passes. Further, the refrigerant transmission unit may transmit the refrigerant to the cooling target by using gravity, for example. Further, in addition to the refrigerant transmission unit connected to the first heat exchange unit, a refrigerant transmission unit connected to the first heat transfer member of the second heat exchange unit may be provided.

The configuration of the cooling promotion unit is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment. The cooling promotion unit is not particularly limited as long as it can promote the cooling of the cooling target by the refrigerant transmitted to the cooling target. For example, the refrigerant holding portion of the cooling promoting portion may have fine irregularities formed on the surface of the cooling target by processing or the like. In this case, the unevenness holds the refrigerant. Further, the refrigerant holding portion may be a hydrophilic coat or the like provided on the surface to be cooled.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the cooling target is an optical modulation unit, but the cooling is not limited to this. The objects to be cooled are an optical modulator, an optical modulation unit, a light source device, a wavelength conversion element that converts the wavelength of light emitted from the light source device, a diffuser element that diffuses the light emitted from the light source device, and a light source. It may include at least one of a polarization conversion element that converts the polarization direction of the light emitted from the apparatus. According to this configuration, each part of the projector can be cooled in the same manner as described above.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a transmissive projector has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to a reflective projector. Here, the "transmissive type" means that the optical modulation device including the liquid crystal panel or the like transmits light. "Reflective type" means that the light modulator is a type that reflects light. The optical modulation device is not limited to a liquid crystal panel or the like, and may be, for example, an optical modulation device using a micromirror.

In the above embodiment, an example of a projector using three optical modulators has been given, but the present invention is also applicable to a projector using only one optical modulator and a projector using four or more optical modulators. It is possible.

The configurations described above can be appropriately combined within a range that does not contradict each other.

1 ... Projector, 2 ... Light source device, 4R, 4G, 4B ... Optical modulation unit (cooling target), 4BP, 4GP, 4RP ... Optical modulation device (cooling target), 6 ... Projection optical device, 10 ... Cooling device, 20, 120, 220, 320 ... Coolant generator, 23 ... Second blower, 27 ... Circulation path, 30 ... First heat exchange section, 40 ... Moisture absorption / desorption member, 50 ... Coolant transmission unit, 60 ... First blower, 90, 190, 290 ... 2nd heat exchange section, 91,291 ... 1st heat transfer member, 91b, 291b ... Fin (heat absorption section), 92, 292 ... 2nd heat transfer member, 92b, 292b ... Fin (heat dissipation section) ), 93 ... Thermoelectric element (first thermoelectric element), 293 ... Thermoelectric element (second thermoelectric element), 93a, 293a ... Heat absorbing surface, 93b, 293b ... Dissipating surface, 322 ... Heating unit, F1 ... First region, F2 … Second region, W… Coolant

Claims (10)

A projector equipped with a cooling target
A light source device that emits light and
An optical modulation device that modulates the light emitted from the light source device according to the image signal, and
A projection optical device that projects light modulated by the light modulation device, and
A cooling device that cools the object to be cooled by changing the refrigerant into a gas,
With
The cooling device
The refrigerant generation unit that generates the refrigerant and
A refrigerant transmission unit that transmits the generated refrigerant toward the cooling target, and
Have,
The refrigerant generator
A rotating moisture absorbing / releasing member and
A first blower that sends air to the portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member located in the first region, and
The first heat exchange unit connected to the refrigerant transmission unit and
A portion of the moisture absorbing / releasing member located in a second region different from the first region and a circulation path passing through the first heat exchange portion.
A second blower that circulates the air in the circulation path,
A second heat exchange section in which at least a part is arranged in a portion through which air flowing from the first heat exchange section to the moisture absorbing / releasing member passes in the circulation path.
Have,
The first heat exchange unit generates the refrigerant from the air that has flowed into the first heat exchange unit by being cooled.
The second heat exchange section is
A thermoelectric element having a heat absorbing surface and a heat radiating surface,
A first heat transfer member thermally connected to the endothermic surface,
A second heat transfer member thermally connected to the heat radiating surface,
Have,
The first heat transfer member cools the air flowing in the circulation path to generate the refrigerant.
The second heat transfer member is a projector characterized by having a heat radiating portion that heats air after being cooled by the first heat transfer member. The first heat transfer member has a heat absorbing portion for cooling air flowing in the circulation path.
The projector according to claim 1, wherein the endothermic unit is arranged inside the first heat exchange unit. The projector according to claim 2, wherein the first heat transfer member is a heat sink having a plurality of fins as the heat absorbing portion. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second heat transfer member is a heat sink having a plurality of fins as the heat radiating portion. The projector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the plurality of fins have a plate shape extending along a direction in which air passing through the second heat exchange portion flows in the circulation path. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second heat exchange unit has a plurality of the thermoelectric elements. The plurality of thermoelectric elements are arranged side by side in the circulation path along the direction in which air passing through the second heat exchange section flows.
The projector according to claim 6, wherein the first heat transfer member is provided for each thermoelectric element. The second heat exchange unit is provided with the first heat transfer member in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which air passing through the second heat exchange unit flows in the circulation path, and the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element. Have,
Both the endothermic surface of the first thermoelectric element and the endothermic surface of the second thermoelectric element are thermally connected to the first heat transfer member sandwiched between the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element. The projector according to claim 6. The refrigerant generating unit has a heating unit arranged in a portion through which air flowing from the first heat exchange unit to the moisture absorbing / releasing member passes in the circulation path.
The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heating unit further heats the air after being heated by the heat radiating unit. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cooling target is the optical modulation device.

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